The @legacyfilmfestivalonaging is currently screening the film via online stream until February 23. The cost is $12 and you also get access to two other short films in the food category for the same price.
PS I also recommend a trip to see her house in Glen Ellen. Monthly tours are coming up March 20 and April 26. Details here https://egret.org/event-calendar/
April 26 is a special event!
"This special tour features M.F.K. Fisher bibliographer Randall Tarpey-Schwed who will give a talk on the life and legacy of Fisher, from her girlhood in Whittier to her final decades in Glen Ellen. Fisher’s daughter, Kennedy Golden, will join in the Q&A after the tour and the talk. Learn about Fisher’s time in the Sonoma Valley, experience her special brand of simple elegance, and soak in the views she enjoyed from every angle. This is a special one-time tour and talk. Other regular tours continue monthly."
One of California's greatest treasures is its old vine vineyards, some dating back more than a century. To qualify for this epic tasting, where many of the California's other great treasure–its dedicated winemakers–pour wines from vines more than 50 years old.
There is nothing like it in all the world. I wrote about this event last year for WineBusiness.com. (See story here.)
Selling these wines keeps these old vines in the ground. Otherwise they would be ripped out, as they produce only tiny amounts of grapes.
And, because they are so proud of their old vines, often the most famous winemakers appear at this tasting. Last year that included Joel Peterson, Carol Shelton, Tegan Passalaqua, and Cathy Corison with her two daughters.
Shoutout to Gun-Bun, currently Sonoma’s largest organic vineyard owner (264 acres), and proudly certified Regenerative Organic (ROC) in 2023. They make around 40,000 cases of wine a year.
In ROC world, Gun-Bun achieved certified bronze for Rhinefarm and silver for Rancho Aqua Caliente (Abbot’s Passage) and in 2024 was working on a phasing out tillage and hoping to achieve silver for Rhinefarm and gold for Aqua Caliente.
(About a quarter of the grapes are purchased from local growers, so look for the estate wines for the organic goods.)
Here are the Slow Wine Guide tasting notes for this illustrious producer. Their Gewurz is justly famous – and affordable!
You can buy the Slow Wine Guide 2025 edition now on sale here! Thousands of dollars worth of research - and yet it sells for just $25. The perfect gift for your Valentine. Start planning your next adventures and tastings for the coming year.
(Side note: When Gloria Ferrer gets its final sign off on organic certification, expected any week now, it will become the largest organic vineyard owner in the county).
The Re-Generation Cuvee is composed of equal parts of the finest barrel of Grgich Hills’ Yountville Old Vine blend and a select barrel blend from Spottswoode’s estate vineyards.
NAPA, Calif., (Feb. 5, 2025) - Two renowned, historic, and iconic Napa Valley wineries, Grgich Hills Estate and Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery are pleased to announce a collaboration that combines their expertise to create a remarkable auction lot for Premiere Napa Valley, focusing on both wineries’ rich family legacies and commitment to regenerative practices.
This wine is a celebration for both wineries: 2025 marks 40 years of organic farming and over 50 years of family ownership for Spottswoode, while Grgich Hills marks the release of their 2023 vintage, which is the first Cabernet bearing the newly achieved Regenerative Organic Certification, as well as the centennial of co-founder Miljenko "Mike" Grgich.
In celebration of the various achievements, these prestigious Napa cornerstone wineries felt it a natural fit to create a unique joint offering to commemorate these momentous milestones. For the first time in history, these two famed wineries have come together with the 2023 Re-Generation Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley. With only 10 cases produced, this legendary partnership showcases the immense potential of the Valley when two icons become one.
Championed by Ivo Jeramaz (Grgich Hills) and Aron Weinkauf (Spottswoode), Re-Generation is sustainably and organically produced, displaying both producers’ shared vision. The Re-Generation Cuvee is composed of equal parts of the finest barrel of Grgich Hills’ Yountville Old Vine blend and a select barrel blend from Spottswoode’s estate vineyards. This cuvée elegantly represents the wine styles of both houses, marrying Spottswoode’s refined tannins and finesse with Grgich Hills’ complexity and concentration. The result is an extraordinarily balanced, nuanced, and age worthy Cabernet Sauvignon.
“The coming together of our wineries highlights and amplifies the importance of regenerative organic farming practices and showcases that living soils allow us to craft wines with an energy, life and verve that is unmatched, while mitigating climate change,” says Violet Grgich, second generation and President, CEO, and co-owner of Grgich Hills Estate. “With this lot, we hope to inspire meaningful change and bring light to the farming philosophies that both our wineries are so deeply committed to.”
Though each winery has their own unique and storied journey through time, both share the collective purpose of preserving family legacy, making our Earth a better place, and crafting world-class wines that stand among those of the world’s great wine estates.
When it comes to regenerative organic farming, both Grgich Hills and Spottswoode take immense pride in their efforts to extend the longevity of their vines and soil, offering a better pathway for the next generation.
“As Spottswoode also achieved Regenerative Organic Certification in 2023, we felt it was natural to collaborate on this lot, as friends and fellow regenerative farming advocates,” commented second generation President and CEO Beth Weber Novak. “We have come together not only to share our collective love and dedication to regenerative organic farming with the world, but to celebrate the legacies of Mary Novak, who founded Spottswoode in 1982, and Miljenko Grgich, who turned 100 in 2023.”
Friendship was a value deeply cherished by both late founders, and it is in their spirit that two of Napa’s most storied wineries present this stunning lot. In the words of Miljenko ‘Mike’ Grgich, “Every day, do your best, learn something new, and make a friend!”
For more information on how to secure a piece of this historic collaboration, visit https://premierenapavalley.com/wines/wine-detail?Lot=3623441.
About Grgich Hills Estate:
Since Miljenko Grgich arrived in California in 1958, his dedication to crafting world class wines left an indelible mark on Napa Valley and the world. While some know him as the winemaker of the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that won the Paris Tasting in 1976, more know him as the man who befriended anyone who came to visit Grgich Hills over the last 47 years. Still family owned and operated, his daughter, Violet Grgich, now leads the team in continuing both of these legacies. Grgich Hills Estate upholds the values of its founder, Miljenko “Mike” Grgich: “Every day, do your best, learn something new, and make a friend.” The winery’s mission is to craft world-class wines while building a better future for generations to come. They remain committed to regenerating the earth and fostering peace through friendships. The wines are all grown in the winery’s 100% certified regenerative organic vineyards, and crafted with minimal-intervention winemaking to ensure the flavors of the vineyard and vintage are highlighted in every bottle. For more information about Grgich Hills Estate, please visit https://www.grgich.com/.
About Spottswoode Estate Vineyard & Winery:
After a decade of growing wine grapes at their historic Napa Valley vineyard, the Novak family made its first vintage of Spottswoode Estate Cabernet Sauvignon in 1982. In the years since, Spottswoode has become one of Napa Valley’s defining wineries. Stewarded by Beth Weber Novak, Spottswoode has stayed true to an elegant, balanced and age-worthy style that captures the character of each vintage and the complexity of the Spottswoode Estate Vineyard. Originally planted in 1882, the Spottswoode Estate Vineyard has been farmed organically since 1985 and has earned acclaim as one of the finest sites for Cabernet Sauvignon in the world. To learn more, visit www.spottswoode.com.
Happy to share this press release (below) celebrating a pioneering Russian River Valley winery, farmed organically originally with the help of the late great Amigo Bob. Its estate vines were certified organic back in 2013. It also certified its winery in 2023, which led to its ability to make wines certified (and labeled) Made with Organic Grapes.
I visited in August to write about them for Slow Wine USA 2025 guide, which is out now.
Here's the guide listing showing a sample of what's in the rest of the guide, now available for sale online. Buy it here.
Press Release: Quarter-Century Milestone Marked by Special Releases and Enhanced Visitor Experience
HEALDSBURG, Calif., (February, 2025) -- Merriam Vineyards, a pioneering force in Russian River Valley's diverse winegrowing landscape, announces the commencement of its 25th anniversary celebration. Founded in 2000 by Peter and Diana Merriam, the winery has evolved from its initial 12-acre purchase into a distinguished estate encompassing three distinct vineyard properties, each expressing the unique terroir of the Russian River Valley AVA.
"When we acquired Windacre Vineyard in 2000, we envisioned creating wines that would honor both the Old-World traditions we loved, and the unique character of the Russian River Valley AVA" reflects Peter Merriam. "Twenty-five years later, that vision has been realized, encompassing not just exceptional wines but a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and an enhanced visitor experience. It has been a great way to walk the walk of appreciating fine wine, by owning and managing very special vineyards."
The anniversary year will feature special commemorative releases, including a limited-edition sparkling Blanc de Noirs, alongside a series of celebratory events throughout 2025. These offerings will showcase the winery's evolution from its origins as a Bordeaux-focused producer, uncommon at the founding, to its current diverse portfolio spanning both Bordeaux and Burgundian varieties.
The milestone coincides with significant achievements in sustainable practices across the estate. The winery recently completed its organic certification process through CCOF, building upon the organic certification of its Los Amigos estate property. The Windacre and Eastside properties maintain rigorous sustainable certifications through CCSW and Sonoma Sustainable programs, with Eastside Estate additionally achieving Fish Friendly Farming certification in 2024.
The anniversary celebration follows the 2023 transformation of the winery's landscape, designed in partnership with Munden Fry Landscape Associates (MFLA). This reimagining created an array of outdoor tasting environments that bring visitors closer to the vineyards and highlight the estate's commitment to environmental stewardship. Features include antique olive trees, garden rooms under shade trees, and a distinctive water wall feature that complements the natural surroundings. Co-proprietor Diana Merriam hails from Greek heritage, and the property's design and aesthetic represent the elegant ease of the Mediterranean lifestyle.
Estate Manager Evan Merriam, representing the next generation of family leadership, emphasizes the forward-looking nature of the anniversary: "While we're celebrating our past achievements, we're equally focused on the future. Our recent initiatives in organic farming, watershed protection, and enhanced visitor experiences set the stage for our next quarter century."
Co-proprietor Peter Merriam adds, "When Diana and I first visited Sonoma County decades ago, we knew that a dream could be realized. I was selling fine European wine to discerning clients in New England and having grown up farming organically with my father in Maine, I wanted to merge two passions, fine wine and organic farming, and we've achieved that at Merriam Vineyards. Now as we look forward to our next goals, we want to reflect on the achievements, my family and team have accomplished."
The winery will announce specific anniversary events and releases throughout the year. For more information about Merriam Vineyards' 25th anniversary celebration, visit www.merriamvineyards.com or follow on Instagram @merriamvineyards.
About Merriam Vineyards:
Established in 2000 in Sonoma, CA's Russian River AVA by husband-and-wife Peter and Diana Merriam, Merriam Vineyards specializes in Bordeaux and Burgundy varieties and was born from the couple's love of Old-World wines and extensive European travels. Recognizing the immense potential for producing distinctive single-vineyard wines in Sonoma, the Merriam's acquired what would become known as the Windacre Vineyard in 2000, adding Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec plantings beyond its existing Merlot vines and establishing the quality of Bordeaux varieties in a region primarily known for cool-climate wines. The couple expanded its estate into Burgundian varieties with the acquisition of its Los Amigos property in 2009 and in 2022, purchased the hillside Eastside Estate, with a focus on core col-climate Pinot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The winery's rigorous, decades-long commitment to sustainable viticulture and production resulted in the prestigious CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) certification for its Los Amigos estate (2012) and winery (2023), as well as CCSW (Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing) certification for its Windacre property and Sonoma Sustainable for its Eastside Estate. Son Evan Merriam represents the Merriam's next generation as estate manager.
Just 45 minutes south of San Jose, Hollister is increasingly populated by more than farmworkers these days. Nearby is the "green basket," with a high concentration of organic greens producers, gated communities of retirees and others willing to pay $700k for a new home in modern, dense, suburban developments. The city (population 40,000), is looking to approve more than 4,000 new homes by 2031.
But drive a little further south of Hollister and you're soon in another time and place. The tiny hamlet of Paicines, about 10 miles south of the bustling town, makes you feel like you are lost in a deeply rural part of California. Near the Gabilan Mountains, San Benito County is still home to some of the oldest vines in the U.S.–Enz and Derose vineyards come to mind right away.
Mike Kohne and helper at Crave Wine Bar in Hollister recently hosted a 50th anniversary celebration of Calera wines
Burgundy hound, famed Calera founder (the late) Josh Jensen lay claim to the region's coveted limestone when he bought land nearby, founding Calera on a former limekiln site. The winery began celebrating its 50th anniversary this year in the under the radar Crave Wine Bar in Hollister, a casual spot with an impressive array of fine wines.
And for those of you attentive enough to notice, the Drops of God series on Apple TV, which recently won the International Emmy for Drama, features only one American wine–a Sandlands Mataro (Mourvedre) wine from sandy soils of San Benito County.
(Note: Hey would be viewers - watch the series! I bypassed it early on thinking it was too much somm, but it turns out my initial impression was wrong, wrong, wrong and I'm not ashamed to admit that. It turns out to be a compelling family, character driven drama and you really do not need to know anything about wine to become drawn in. And happily a season 2 is on the way.)
Paicines Ranch
Once upon a time, Paicines Ranch was the largest vineyard in the state, owned by Mirassou. Before 2004, it was to be developed for a large housing enclave. But the county decided against its development, and a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, Sallie Calhoun with her husband Matt, bought it, preserving it as a model farm for cattle ranching, sheep grazing, and growing crops. After Sallie read Allan Savory's book on holistic management (integrating sheep), she converted the ranch to these practices and became an evangelist for holistic management.
As many vineyards, particularly in Mendocino County, were developed from former grazing land, it's exciting to rethink that paradigm and question whether integrated sheep grazing and wine grape growing could be a smarter choice. Shannon in Lake County is also a pioneer in this field, although it uses a more traditional trellis system. It has sufficient land to graze its 900 sheep flock year round.
PAICINES RANCH LEARNING
The ranch is a beacon for educating growers and farmers on why and how to implement no till vineyard management and offers a popular, two day regenerative viticulture class that typically sells out.
The next class is coming up is a two day immersion in regenerative vit including a half-day workshop on regenerative vine pruning techniques led by Simonit & Sirch.
I visited the ranch last week after attending the organic farming conference, EcoFarm. just to get a preview of the place before I return for the Feb. 20-21 class. I came home with great memories from a fine dining experience, plus a hefty bag full of pastured meat (maybe a year's supply for a person like me) that I will certainly enjoy drinking with red wines from my cellar. I also got excited about the upcoming regen vit class, set on this majestic 5,600+ acre site.
According to the website, "This immersion is designed for winegrape growers, wine producers, wine merchants, graziers, vineyard managers, students, educators, and anyone who have a passion for growing ecosystem health."
A unique aspect of the course is teacher Kelly Mulville's sheep integration approach. As the website says, "The vineyard at Paicines Ranch is a uniquely designed polyculture with a partial overhead trellis system that allows for grazing of the vines throughout the year. This eliminates the need for tillage, mowing, herbicides, suckering, hand weeding and encourages high biodiversity of plants, insects, birds and soil biology."
There are very few places in the world and in the U.S. for regen vit education. Come find out what it's all about!
OTHER WAYS TO ENJOY THE RANCH
A recent dinner at the Overlook dining room was sold out. That's Sallie, with the big smile.
Paicines offers lodging, special events and hosts weddings and more. It's a great place for a family reunion, or just to bring kids. Casual cabins and rooms are available to rent. They have yoga onsite. Sallie has built a wonderful dining hall, and has a great chef and culinary team. Here's the menu from a recent event I attended last week.
A trip to Paicines will renew your faith that doing the right thing–farming regeneratively–is worth doing. Feast your eyes on those magnificent mountains and spacious skies and...relax.
Donna Lee and her daughter pouring at the DTC Wine Symposium in Monterey
Monterey County's organic producers are few and far between so it was a total pleasure to attend the opening day tasting at the Direct to Consumer Wine Symposium in Monterey Jan. 21 and surprise! See that of the few wineries pouring, Morgan Winery was one.
It was the first time the event has been held in this location (and my first time attending it). So happy to taste (after many years of not tasting) Morgan's wines from their Double L Vineyard, the only organic vines in Santa Lucia Highlands AVA in Monterey County.
The wines were simply stunning.
The founders became organic because they didn't want their children to be exposed to anything toxic in their vineyards. Bravo. They also bottle label them "made with organic grapes" on the back. Bravo #2.
This is how it's done:
You can taste the wines at their Carmel tasting room, open 11 - 6 daily on Crosswoads Boulevard in Carmel.
